Video Stream Synchronization via Dynamic Data Rate Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to maintain synchronization between video streams sent to multiple display panels using different protocols, leading to noticeable desynchronization and increased power consumption due to varying clock speeds.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that generate synchronized video streams by adjusting the data rate of streams following different protocols, using a processor-based device to identify a 'master' stream and reprogram 'slave' streams to match, ensuring temporal alignment and reducing timing offsets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video streams are generated for multiple display panels using different protocols, then the system can support diverse display outputs, but the bit rates differ causing lack of synchronicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple display protocolsVSAvoidsynchronization between streams

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bit rate parameter of video streams to achieve synchronization. Specifically, it identifies a master stream and adjusts the bit rates of slave streams to match the master stream's timing characteristics, thereby eliminating desynchronization while maintaining support for multiple display protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If streams are not synchronized, then clock speeds must be maintained at all times to handle active regions, but this increases power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availability for active regionsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary synchronization of video streams by identifying master and slave streams and adjusting their timing characteristics in advance. This allows the system to predict when active regions will occur across all streams, enabling clock speeds to be reduced during blank periods while ensuring data is ready when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors stream synchronization and dynamically adjusts clock speeds based on the actual timing of active and blank regions. This ensures power savings during blank periods while maintaining data availability for active regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If additional hardware modules are used for synchronization, then stream synchronization can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream synchronizationVSAvoidhardware modules

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware synchronization modules with a software-based or firmware-based master-slave stream identification and timing adjustment mechanism. This approach achieves the same synchronization function while reducing hardware complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9078028B2Method and device for creating and maintaining synchronization between video signals

Publication Date: 2015.07.07 ATI TECHNOLOGIES ULC

AI summary

A method and device for providing synchronized data output is provided. The method includes generating two data streams sending data to be presented in synchronization. Both streams are generated by the same processor-based device. The first data stream follows a first protocol and the second data stream follows a second (different) protocol. The processor of the processor-based device adjusts a data rate of the second data stream to cause a reduction in any timing offset between the streams.